(ASTM: West Conshohocken, PA) -- The ASTM International Proficiency Testing Center is pleased to offer a 2010 proficiency testing program on thermal analyses of plastics (TAP) to laboratories who need a statistical quality assurance tool that will enable them to improve and maintain a high level of performance in conducting ASTM differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), oxidative-induction time (OIT) by differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravametric analyses of plastic resins. Interlaboratory comparisons will be made so that participants can compare their test results with other laboratory results worldwide.

Test materials and parameters measured: Each participating lab will receive two different polymeric resins in five-gram quantities having a high and low melting point for each of the two test cycles conducted during the year. Resins to be evaluated in the program include low-density polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutylene terephthalate, polyphenylene sulfide, and perfluoroalkoxy. The following test parameters constitutes the scope of the proficiency testing program:

ASTM D3418, Standard test method for transition temperatures and enthalpies of fusion and crystallization of polymers by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC);

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